Giving a lesson in class consciousness

Here's how the 2006 rides measure up by type

June 18, 2006|By Paul Duchene

So now let's get to the real reasons you buy a bike and see what fits the bill:

Speed is as speed does: People know the Suzuki Hayabusa is the fastest bike out there. It has outlasted the Kawasaki ZX-11 and ZX-12 and Honda Blackbird. It can hit 186 m.p.h. (at least) but it's tractable around town, comfortable and well-sorted. 1,299-cc, 173-h.p., DOHC 4; 478 pounds; $11,099-$11,299.

Sorry Harley: The Yamaha V-Max is the baddest bike you can buy and has been for 20 years. Anyone can sound bad, but the V-Max is unforgiving. With "V-Boost" ram-air, 10.5-second quarter mile and questionable handling, it's like an attack dog you're not sure of. 1,198-cc, 145-h.p. V-4; 582 pounds; $11,099.

Gone to Patagonia: Take the BMW R1200GS Adventure. It's counterbalanced and lighter than the previous 1150 GS. Fit hard bags, top trunk and GPS with nine languages and be off with you. 1,170-cc, 100-h.p., horizontal twin; 492 pounds;. $19,990.

By a nose: In a 160-m.p.h. photo-finish the Kawasaki ZX-10R squeaks by the Suzuki GSX-R1000, Honda CBR1000RR and Yamaha YZF-R1. 998-cc, 155-h.p. DOHC; 4,376 pounds; wheelies at 130 m.p.h.; $11,199.

Also consider: The other three, it's that close.

Best training wheels: The Kawasaki Ninja 250 is as old as most novice riders, but still a great road-race learning platform at the right price. Six speeds, 14,000 r.p.m. redline and 105 m.p.h.. 248-cc, 29-h.p. twin; 304 pounds; $2,999.

29 and holding: Harley-Davidson riders have 29 models to choose from and the FXDBI Street Bob is new this year. The factory threw away inessentials so you don't have to. 1,450-cc, 75-h.p. V-twin; 634 pounds; $13,195.

My way: Arlen Ness turned the solid but dull Victory marque on its head with his Vegas design. The Ness Signature Series Vegas Jackpot is a full custom so you won't meet yourself coming and going. 1,634cc, 80-h.p.V-twin; 645 pounds; $21,999.

Also consider: Triumph Rocket III, which must have been built to win a bar bet. One-of-a-kind layout. 2,300-cc, 140-h.p. in-line triple; 704 pounds; $16,299.

Lost in the '50s? The Royal Enfield Bullet is still being made in India, with an up-rated engine, electric start, 5-speed and disc brakes. See Classic, Military, Clubman (cafe racer). 499-cc, 22-h.p. single; 370 pounds; $4,795.

Street-fighting man: As Ducati up-rates its Monster with the S4RS Testratetta engine and teases fans with the Hypermotard. Bimota introduces the Delirio, a Ducati-powered weapon as mad as a stiletto in church. 992-cc, 92-h.p. V-twin; 374 pounds; $24,000.

Wake me when we get there: The Honda Gold Wing remains the ultimate tourer, closely trailed by the BMW K1200LT. This one's too close to call; the BMW handles better but the Gold Wing will go 250,000 miles. Both have GPS, heated seats and grips, alarms and CD players. The Honda offers the first bike air bag.

When I were a lad: Retro sportbikes are multiplying. Most are faithful to originals but are about 100-pounds heavier--like the riders. Best bet is probably the Ducati 1000 Sport Classic, a nice take on the '70s 750 Sport. 992-cc, 84-h.p. V-twin; 394 pounds; $10,995.

Dirt devil: New two-strokes bikes are gone, the world belongs to Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki thumpers. It's a close call between Honda CRFs and Yamaha WRFs in 250-cc and 450-cc sizes, so let's plunk for an adult-size performer, the Honda CRF450X, spun off the R-model motocrosser. 449-cc, 55-h.p. single, 255 pounds; $7,199.